Better Access Initiative: How the 10 Psychology Sessions Work
The Better Access initiative is an Australian Government program that subsidises psychology sessions through Medicare. A Mental Health Treatment Plan — prepared by your regular local GP — unlocks up to 10 rebated individual sessions per calendar year, with a GP review partway through. Abby Health does not provide these plans; Abby offers Nurse Practitioner-led mental health support with referral coordination and regular GP review built in.
If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or 000 in an emergency.
The Better Access initiative is an Australian Government program that makes mental health care more accessible by subsidising sessions with registered psychologists, clinical psychologists, mental health occupational therapists, and accredited mental health social workers. Access runs through a Mental Health Treatment Plan prepared by a GP — for Abby patients, that means your regular local GP.
What the Better Access initiative is
Introduced by the Australian Government in 2006, Better Access brought psychology sessions into the Medicare Benefits Schedule, provided they sit within a structured clinical plan. The program is administered by the Department of Health and Aged Care and Services Australia, and remains the primary pathway to Medicare-rebated psychology for most Australians.
How the sessions work
A Mental Health Treatment Plan, prepared by a GP, unlocks up to 10 Medicare-rebated individual psychology sessions per calendar year, delivered in two blocks with a GP review between them. Group sessions are available in addition. The 10-session allocation resets each calendar year. See how to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan in Australia.
What the sessions cost
Medicare rebates a fixed amount per session. Where the psychologist bulk bills, you pay nothing; where they charge a private fee, you pay the difference as a gap. Providers set their own fees, and rebate values are published at Services Australia.
Where Abby Health fits
Abby Health does not provide Mental Health Treatment Plans — they are prepared by your regular local GP. Abby offers Nurse Practitioner-led mental health support: assessment and short-term support for mild to moderate concerns, coordination of referrals, and regular GP review built in. Appointments are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card. Strict Bulk Billing eligibility criteria applies.
If you need urgent support
Better Access is for ongoing care, not urgent safety. If you are in immediate danger call 000. Free, 24/7: Lifeline (13 11 14), Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), 13YARN (13 92 76).
Uncompromising Care. Abby Health. Knowing someone cares.
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